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Technology Validation

 

A Rochester manufacturer of ultrathin membranes has obtained federal grants and secured international distributors in the biomedical and materials science markets after demonstrating the utility of its membranes as high-performance sample supports for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using CCMR’s imaging facilities, the company was able to validate new applications of its ultrathin membranes, which are used in molecular and nanoparticle separations, with help from a microscopy expert in applied and engineering physics. The team showed the superiority of measurements taken using its membranes. The company used this information to market its membranes as TEM windows and progressed quickly toward full production, marketing, and sales. The company has now distributors in Europe and Asia.

An Ithaca-based manufacturer of tabletop plasma cleaners was partnered with a Cornell materials science and electrical engineering group, comprised of faculty and students, to analyze the performance of its products. The first step was to construct the equipment necessary to conduct the analysis at the Cornell’s nanofabrication facility. The group applied thin polymer films on silicon wafers, which were then plasma etched using the company’s plasma cleaner. The films were later measured to determine the removal rate and the uniformity across the surface. The students working on this project continued as summer interns at the company. The high-performance analysis conducted at Cornel enabled the company to market a new line of plasma cleaners.

The growth of the craft brewing industry in New York State has led to an unprecedented amount of interest in New York produced beverages, both at home and abroad. Embracing this growth, a central NY brewery began developing a green tea-infused beer that contains a high level of antioxidants. The Chinese tea, used in the product is well known in China for its medicinal properties and is unique in that during production a golden residue appears on the leaves. This residue is attributed to a probiotic, mold-like fungi known as Eurotium Cristatum. The fungus is believed to be responsible for the medicinal properties of the tea that when digested, can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars, and body fat. Prior to production and distribution of this new tea infused beer, the CCMR was asked to determine how much of the fungi makes it through the fermentation process, and eventually incorporated in the beer. The brewers claim is being legitimized through ongoing scientific research at Cornell University. The brewery can now focus their marketing efforts on the health benefits of their new green tea infused beer.

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